Those of us who weren’t lucky enough to be born with flawless skin learned from our early years that the only thing that could help our skin is an impeccable skincare routine. However, it’s true that it’s not always possible to take care of our skin the way we should or would.

Juggling work, life, and everything in between can leave little time for self-care. But we've learned the hard way that a solid skincare routine, while it doesn't have to be complicated, is a consistent practice that can be tailored to our lifestyle and skin needs, giving us the power to adapt it as we -and our dermatologist- see fit.

If you feel like that, even though you buy all the products that match your skin type, your skin’s condition doesn’t match the amount of money you have invested.

We feel you, which is why we gathered all the mistakes that could ruin your skincare routine.

Skipping Sunscreen: This is a big one! Sunscreen is your best defense against premature aging and skin cancer. Apply SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days, and not only when you hit the beach.

Forgetting Areas: Don't neglect your lips, ears, and neck – they need sun protection too!

Reapplication Reluctance: Sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming. Don’t rely on the first application. It will probably fade out by the time you arrive at your destination.

One-Size-Fits-All Cleansing: Harsh cleansers are not for everyone; they can strip your skin of its natural oils. Choose a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type, especially if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone.

Scalding Hot Water: Hot water damages the skin's barrier, so it’s better to use lukewarm water for cleansing.

Cleansing Too Often: If you think cleansing your face all day will help, you are wrong. Unless your dermatologist says otherwise, twice a day (morning-evening) is enough for most skin types. Excessive cleansing can dry out your skin and cause irritation.

Forgetting the Washcloth: Washcloths can harbor bacteria that can damage your skin. Do not share your face washcloth, and use a clean one daily, or opt for disposable cleansing cloths, especially if you have acne-prone skin. You will definitely notice the difference.

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: Harsh scrubbing can seriously irritate your skin. Let the scrub do the job, and use gentle circular motions and a soft washcloth when exfoliating.

Over-Exfoliation: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type. More can damage your skin and cause irritation.

Forgetting Your Lips: Lips need exfoliation too! Use a gentle lip scrub to remove dead skin cells and add a moisturizer.

Exfoliating Before Shaving: This can irritate the skin. Shave after cleansing or apply shaving cream to create a barrier and avoid rash and redness.

Moisturizer Myth: If you have oily skin and you think you don’t need a moisturizer, think twice. Even oily skin needs moisture! Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer and apply it constantly.

Moisturizing Only Your Face: Don't neglect your neck and neckline, either. These areas also show signs of aging, so make sure to apply moisturizer to those areas.

Forgetting to Moisturize After Showering: Even if you take a quick shower, remember that this is the perfect time to lock in moisture. Apply moisturizer to damp skin and enjoy the ultra moistured results.

Falling for Trends: The temptations are everywhere -social media are full of innovative products ready to be purchased, but for the sake of your skin, don't chase every new product on the market. Stick to a routine that works for your skin and suits its needs.

Ignoring Expiration Dates: Sometimes, we tend to forget our beauty products and remember them randomly way later. However, expired products can lose effectiveness or become irritating so it’s better to avoid using them.

Not Patch Testing: New products can cause allergic reactions. Before you purchase a product, apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours before using it on your face. Imagine waking up to a red face -no, you don’t even want to think about it.

Mixing Too Many Ingredients: Watching TikToks with influencers trying to use every single product in their bathroom is fun, but it’s not advisable. Mixing skincare products can overwhelm your skin. Introduce new products one at a time, monitor for any adverse reactions, and always stay informed on products and ingredients that don’t go well together (e.g., Vitamin C with retinol is a bad combination and can seriously irritate your skin).

Storing Products Incorrectly: Heat and light can degrade ingredients —store products in a cool, dry place and watch out for you sunscreen on the beach; keep it as well away from direct sunlight.

Sleeping in Makeup: If you especially have oily or acne-prone skin, please don’t. This clogs pores and can lead to breakouts. Remove your makeup before bed to avoid unpleasant surprises in the morning.

Dirty Makeup Brushes: Bacteria-laden brushes can irritate your skin. Wash your brushes regularly with a gentle cleanser and let them dry naturally. This will improve the application of the products as well.

Sharing Makeup: Sharing makeup can spread bacteria and can cause irritations, not to mention more severe skin infections. Stick to your own products and encourage your besties to do the same.

Using Expired Makeup: Expired makeup can carry bacteria and lose effectiveness. Toss old products and only buy makeup products you regularly use.

Applying Makeup on a Dirty Face: Start with a clean canvas! Cleanse your face before applying makeup to avoid clogging pores and have a smoother result.

Sugar Crash: A diet high in sugar can contribute to breakouts. Opt for healthy, balanced meals and substitute sugar with healthier choices like honey.

Dehydration Station: Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated and glowing. This is why they call water the ultimate beauty elixir!

Sleepless Nights: Skin repairs itself while you sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, try to sleep early, and wake up early. Sorry, night owls!

Stress Monster: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your skin. Find healthy ways to manage stress, like yoga or meditation.

Smoking Sabotage: Smoking steals your glow. It narrows blood vessels, restricting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, and causing your skin to lose its radiance.

Consistency: The biggest mistake you can make is not being consistent with your skincare routine. No matter how tired you are or how little time you have, always follow your routine. The results will impress you!